Express & Star

Steve Bruce pays tribute to Cyrille Regis

Steve Bruce has paid tribute to Cyrille Regis as Aston Villa prepare for a minute's applause before their home game with Barnsley tomorrow.

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He spoke passionately about the way the former Baggies and Villa star conducted himself both on an off the pitch during their playing days.

“I was fortunate enough to know Cyrille. I played against him many times," said the Villa boss.

“One of my earliest memories in football is when I was playing at Gillingham, we drew West Brom in the cup.

“I was a young, naive centre-back, all of a sudden I was pitched against big Cyrille Regis.

“After the game, after coming off battered from pillar to post. I knew he was some player.

“Back then, the abuse, what he put up with, and how he conducted himself, how he handled himself, he did wonders for everyone concerned.

“We are only talking about the 70s and 80 here, not the 30s and 40s.

“He was a genuinely good man. All the football world are shocked and saddened because of the condition he was in.

“Condolences of course go to his family, they are the ones who have lost him forever. He will be sadly missed.”